US-China Flight Routes Dispute

Major Chinese airlines have urged the Trump administration to abandon a proposed plan to ban them from flying over Russia on US flights. The airlines claim that this move would lengthen flight times, raise fares, and hurt some routes.

Proposed Ban

The US Department of Transportation proposed the ban, citing that the reduced flight time gives Chinese airlines an unfair advantage over American airlines. The ban would affect six Chinese airlines, including China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern.

Impact on Chinese Airlines

China Eastern has stated that the ban could add two to three hours to flight time on some of its key routes, significantly increasing the risk of missed connections and fuel consumption. Air China and China Southern have also expressed concerns, saying that the decision would negatively impact a significant number of passengers in the US and China.

Passenger Disruption

China Southern estimated that at least 2,800 passengers scheduled to travel during the peak holiday period from November 1 to December 31 would have to be rebooked, putting their travel plans at risk. This disruption would be a significant inconvenience for passengers who have already made travel arrangements.

US Airlines’ Response

United Airlines has called on the Trump administration to extend the ban to Cathay Pacific, which flies to Russia on flights from Hong Kong and other Hong Kong-based airlines to the United States. United claims that the Russia restrictions mean it is "effectively prevented from resuming nonstop service to China on previously served routes."

Russia’s Involvement

Russia has banned US airlines and many other foreign airlines from flying over its airspace in retaliation for Washington banning Russian flights over the US in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chinese airlines were not banned and have used this advantage to increase their market share compared to non-Chinese airlines on international routes.

Diplomatic Implications

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman has stated that the restrictions are not conducive to face-to-face exchanges. Airlines for America, a major trade group representing US airlines, has praised the effort but also called on the US Department of Transportation to maintain parity in the number of passenger flights for US and Chinese airlines.